No. 2 House Democrat against contractor disclosure

[sasha031]

House Democratic Whip Hoyer against White House plan for contractor political disclosures
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The second-ranking House Democrat said Tuesday he opposes a White House proposal to require anyone seeking government contracts to disclose political contributions.

Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the party whip, placed himself on the same side as Republicans and the business community -- and against liberal groups demanding more disclosure.

Hoyer told reporters that contractors should be chosen on the merits of their applications, their bids and their capabilities, not on their political donations.

President Barack Obama's disclosure order, drafted in April, has not yet been issued.

One of Obama's sharpest critics, Chairman Darrell Issa of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has scheduled a hearing Thursday to hear from witnesses who believe the order would curb free speech and harm small businesses.

Hoyer told reporters, "It's not a requirement now. I don't think it ought to be a requirement. So I'm not in agreement with the administration on that issue."

Drafted April 13, Obama's proposal would require anyone submitting bids for government work to disclose two years' worth of political contributions and expenditures. The order would apply if the total exceeded $5,000 to a given recipient during a given year.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/No-2-House-Democrat-against-apf-1681676828.html?x=0&.v=1

[nc4bo]

1. Oh really?! Touched a nerve me thinks.

Should hear lots of squealing piggies over this.

[highplainsdem]

2. Key paragraph is the one explaining that Hoyer's district is "rich in government contractors."

That paragraph also explains that his web page even includes advice on "Learning how to sell successfully to the U.S. government."

[renegade000]

6. This is what I don't understand

You'd think he'd be more OK with it because if people confront him about all his donations from contractors, he can reply that he represents a district full of federal contractors. Ultimately it doesn't matter as much as it's the employees of those contractors (and federal employees) that will be helping to elect him anyways...as they live in his district.

[bluestateguy]

3. So?

It's an executive order not needing his permission.

[patrice]

4. Thanks for keeping track!!! Let it be duly noted everywhere. nt

[JoePhilly]

5. Maybe he should change his name to Stenny Whorer. nt

[joeybee12]

7. +1